THE VIEW FROM THE SWAMP: THE TRIBUNE'S WASHINGTON BLOG

Nothing divine about hurricane

September 01, 2008|By Mark Silva, Frank James and Rick Pearson

ST. PAUL — It seems Michael Moore, the liberal filmmaker, isn't the only one who sees God's hand in Hurricane Gustav.

Don Fowler, a former Democratic National Committee chairman, suggested that the hurricane's predicted landfall on the day the Republican National Convention opens "just demonstrates that God is on our side."

But unlike Moore, Fowler has apologized.

On Sunday, Fowler told The Associated Press that in remarks posted on YouTube he had been making fun of comments by Rev. Jerry Falwell, who said the 2001 terrorist attacks were God's punishment for abortion, homosexuality and other "sins."

KNOWS HER NEIGHBOR: Cindy McCain, wife of the Republican Party's presidential candidate, is disputing Democratic criticism that the senator has chosen a woefully inexperienced running mate in first-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. "I completely disagree, and I know my husband does too," John McCain's wife said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" with George Stephanopoulos.

Among her points boosting Palin: "Alaska is the closest part of our continent to Russia. So it's not as if she doesn't understand what's at stake here."

-- Mark Silva

KEEPING QUIET: The Democratic National Committee is suspending its Monday counterprogramming efforts in St. Paul. "In light of the situation in the Gulf Coast," the DNC said it "has canceled its daily media briefing at the More of the Same Media Center."

-- Frank James

PARTY REVIEW: Just like every other state delegation attending the Republican National Convention, Illinois officials are scrambling to find ways to make their gatherings more service-oriented because of Gustav.

"If unfortunately this storm is damaging, we want to do what every other community in America is going to do -- see if we can raise money and volunteers to be of help," said Andy McKenna, the state Republican chairman.

McKenna said it's possible that delegation parties might become fundraisers. "If the situation is such that it's really better to cancel them, we'll do that as well," McKenna said.